Signs That Your Trailer or Truck Suspensions Need Replacement

by James Spencer Blogger

The suspension forms a major part of a vehicle be it a power driven truck or a non-powered trailer. Engineers design the suspension systems as a key component which comes to the rescue of the vehicle and the driver when there is a sudden shock or jerk. The system is engineered mainly to absorb shock and ensure that the vehicle be it as large as a truck goes back to its due course of running after it has suddenly undergone a jerk.

Designed to support tonnes of metal, the suspension too undergoes wear and hence vehicle owners are recommended to get the systems checked once in a while. Sometimes the wear becomes so intense, that a repair or replacement is an only option left for the vehicle owner. Maintenance issues can have an impact on the suspension such that the vehicle may no longer run smoothly. Regular changing of grease or brake oil is a necessity.

Most of the times, situations turn worse for the vehicle when owners can’t figure out the changes in the suspension’s functionality. Timely fixing is essential to ensure an extended life for the suspension system. Other than the ride turning too rough for the truck or trailer, the owner must look out for the following signs as mentioned below:

Vehicle Becomes Jerky on Roads

A common way to identify something wrong with the suspension is when the driver experiences too many jerks. The road turns bumpier than usual and every bump will cause the driver to almost bounce. This may indicate truck Suspensions damage.

Drifts During Turns

A poor suspension is accountable for the vehicle drifting unnecessarily during turns. When the suspension system fails the driver will often feel the vehicle drift or pull towards a side especially while taking turns. Vehicles be it a truck or a trailer, require a centrifugal force during every turn. A poor suspension will however not be able to provide the vehicle with enough support and may lead to a rollover. If you notice the same problem with a trailer, get hold of new trailer suspension in Prestons.

Nose Dives

A common sign that the suspension has worn out is when you notice the vehicle lurching in random forward or downward directions even after applying the brakes. When this happens, it becomes difficult to have control over a larger vehicle especially a truck or a trailer.

Oily Shock Absorbers

Upon taking a look down, you can identify if the shocks are in good condition simply by noticing if they appear greasy, which means the suspension has started leaking fluid. Hence you can be assured of your truck behaving weird on a road trip. If you find this with the shocks, make sure you replace them pretty soon to avoid accidents.

Get the Bounce Test Done

So you suspect bad suspension? This is perhaps the most viable way of determining whether the shocks are in good condition or not. The test will require you do a bounce test on the front wheels as well as the rear wheels. If the truck bounces more than you have imagined, it’s time to replace the suspension.

Vehicle owners are recommended to check the suspension of their vehicles to avoid accidents.